At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver scalable data architecture strategies using cloud platforms like Snowflake.
- Company: Join a top-rated tech workplace known for its supportive culture and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, flexible hours, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Tech, offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Lead transformational data initiatives and make a real impact in the tech industry.
- Qualifications: Strong background in data architecture and AWS, with expertise in Snowflake.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Enterprise / Solutions Architect with a strong data & AWS background to join our expanding team. You will play a key role in designing and delivering scalable data architecture strategies, with a primary focus on cloud data platforms such as Snowflake. This role involves assessing and evolving existing data pipelines, analytics platforms, and integration patterns across enterprise systems, transitioning from fragmented or manual processes to fully automated, governed, and high-performance data solutions. If you are passionate about building scalable, future‑ready data platforms and are ready to lead a transformational data initiative, we’d love to hear from you.
Knowledge Skills & Abilities
- Designing centralised data platforms and delivering scalable enterprise data architectures aligned with business strategy and long‑term growth
- Deep expertise in Snowflake, including data warehousing, data sharing, and performance optimisation
- Translates complex business requirements into secure, high‑performing cloud data solutions
- Leads end‑to‑end solution architecture across ingestion, transformation, analytics, and governance
- Partners with stakeholders across IT, data, and business teams to drive value from data
- Establishes best practices for data modelling, cost control, security, and compliance
- Guides modernisation initiatives, migrating legacy platforms to cloud‑native architectures
- Provides technical leadership, mentoring teams and influencing architectural standards
- Evaluates and integrates complementary tools across the data ecosystem (ETL, BI, orchestration)
- Focused on reliability, scalability, and measurable business outcomes in enterprise environments
Behaviours
- An open and genuine communicator
- Able to take responsibility for your actions
- Always learning and wanting to improve
- Takes responsibility for own development
- Love what you do
- Value and support your team
- Embrace who you are
- Open minded and willing to explore new ideas
What We Offer
We value our team and to attract exceptional people, we offer an excellent package! In 2023, 2024 and 2025 we were recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Tech by Great Place To Work UK, the global authority on workplace culture. As a Leighton employee you can look forward to:
- A competitive salary this will be dependent on experience.
- A contributory pension scheme
- Private healthcare
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and the opportunity to buy or sell holiday
- A flexible approach to working hours
- Continuous personal development, career path and training
- And more.
Principal Data Architect employer: Leighton
At Leighton, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the tech industry, recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Tech for three consecutive years. Our remote working culture fosters flexibility and work-life balance, while our commitment to continuous personal development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your career. With competitive salaries, a contributory pension scheme, and private healthcare, we offer a supportive environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the field of data architecture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Data Architect
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the role you want. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving data architecture and cloud platforms like Snowflake. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for Principal Data Architects. Practice articulating your thought process when solving problems, and be ready to discuss how you’ve led data initiatives in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
We love seeing applications come through our website! It shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it makes it easier for us to find your application and get back to you quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Data Architect role. Highlight your expertise in data architecture, AWS, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about building scalable data platforms and how your experience makes you the perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to design and deliver data solutions. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work. We’re all about measurable outcomes here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our awesome team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leighton
✨Know Your Data Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the principles of data architecture, especially around cloud platforms like Snowflake. Brush up on your knowledge of data warehousing, performance optimisation, and how to translate complex business requirements into effective data solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Data Architect, you'll be expected to lead teams and influence architectural standards. Prepare examples of how you've guided modernisation initiatives or mentored others in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to take responsibility and drive value from data.
✨Communicate Clearly and Openly
Being an open and genuine communicator is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical concepts. Be ready to explain how you’ve partnered with stakeholders across IT and business teams to achieve measurable outcomes.
✨Embrace Continuous Learning
The tech landscape is always evolving, so show your passion for learning and improvement. Share any recent courses, certifications, or projects that highlight your commitment to staying updated with the latest trends in data architecture and cloud technologies.